With tax refunds on the way, many folks in Indiana are undoubtedly planning to tackle necessary big-budget items—such as new tires. However, if you're thinking about going with budget tires, read this before making a purchase.

Let’s face it—buying tires is no fun. However, just like regular oil changes, replacing a set of tires is just part of owning a vehicle. In fact, I just had a new set put on my Ram 1500 about six months ago, and I'll soon have to order another set for my wife’s Ford Escape. It can be expensive, but fortunately, there are many budget-friendly options out there that will save you a ton of cash.

Big Name Tire Brands Aren't Perfect

When I bought my Ram, it came with a set of Goodyear All-Season Wranglers, which is the second set of those I've owned. They only had a few thousand miles on them, but were, without a doubt, the worst tires I've ever had. They constantly leaked air and were easily damaged. So, when it was time for them to be replaced, I decided to go with a cheaper, lesser-known brand—Iron Head. Primarily made in Canada, they offered both affordability and reliability.

Buying Tires on a Budget

There are plenty of options out there for you to choose from that are much cheaper than name brands like Goodyear, Michelin, or Firestone. That said, take this as a friendly warning. Not every budget tire on the market is reliable, and some have actually been reported to be downright dangerous. While reviews will vary based on where you look, according to 24/7 Wall Street, the following options are no good.

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